From second-round uncertainty to league-leading production, the surging linebacker secured September's Defensive Rookie of the Month honors after racking up 34 tackles through his first three professional starts.
Tennessee Titans rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been a nice surprise this year.
He was drafted in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He wasn't expected to start this year, but that's beginning to change.
Hill had a solid preseason but still needed to earn the Titans' coaching staff's trust to get more playing time. He got his chance ahead of the season opener against the New York Jets.
Cedric Gray sustained a concussion in a UTV accident during Labor Day Weekend. Gray tried to work his way back from the injury but was ruled out for the game.
Hill was named the starter in his place. Even though the Titans lost 23-10, Hill shined in his debut.
He led the team with 16 total tackles and almost had a forced fumble.
Robert Saleh revealed ahead of Week 2 that Hill would start at Mike linebacker. Gray and Cody Barton were also going to start.
Hill continued his stretch of good performances against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had 10 total tackles in Week 2, leading his team in that category for the second straight week.
He couldn't lead his team in tackles for the third straight week, as Jeffery Simmons had 10 total tackles in the 12-7 loss to the New York Giants. Hill still came in second, finishing with eight.
Hill isn't just leading the Titans in total tackles; he's setting the pace for the entire NFL. Hill leads the NFL in tackles with 34.
He has more tackles than Alex Singleton (33), Fred Warner (33), Azeez Al-Shaair (31), Akeem Davis-Gathier (29) and Ernest Jones (29).
On Thursday, the NFL announced its offensive and defensive Rookies of the Month. Hill was the September Defensive Rookie of the Month.
Hill has been one of the few bright spots on the Titans. The team is still 0-3 but seems to have found a reliable Mike linebacker.
This goes back to General Manager Mike Borgonzi's philosophy on building a team. He wants to build from the draft.
The Titans have hit on Hill so far from the 2026 class. Carnell Tate is slowly coming into his own, and Fernando Carmona was the team's starting right guard until he injured his ankle on the first drive against the Giants.
The Titans are trying to build something of worth through the draft. Hill is proof that it's starting to come together.
Hopefully, the rest of the team will follow suite and turn this thing around.
